Helen Hayes Biography

Helen Hayes MacArthur (née Brown) was an American actress whose career spanned over eighty-two years. She earned the nickname “First Lady of American Theatre” and was the first woman to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award, achieving the prestigious EGOT status. She was also the first person to win the Triple Crown of Acting. Hayes received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts. The annual Helen Hayes Awards, recognizing excellence in professional theatre in Washington, D.C., are named after her. She is regarded as one of the greatest leading ladies of 20th-century theatre.

Early Life of Helen Hayes

Helen Hayes, renowned actress and icon of the American theatre, was born on October 10, 1900, in Washington, D.C. Her mother, Catherine Estelle Hayes, harbored aspirations of becoming an actress herself, while her father, Francis van Arnum Brown, took on various occupations. Helen Hayes grew up in a Catholic household, with her maternal grandparents having immigrated from Ireland during the time of the Great Famine.

Hayes received her education at Dominican Academy and the Academy of the Sacred Heart Convent in Washington. Her early years were shaped by her Catholic upbringing and the values instilled by her education in these prestigious institutions.

The rich cultural and historical backdrop of Washington, D.C., provided a nurturing environment for Helen Hayes, igniting her profound passion for the performing arts. The city’s vibrant theatrical scene and proximity to influential institutions greatly influenced her career trajectory and artistic development.

Throughout her formative years, Hayes displayed a remarkable talent and the drive to succeed in the world of entertainment. She was captivated by the stage and knew from a young age that she was destined to perform.

• Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
• Religion: Catholic
• Educational Institutions:
  • Dominican Academy
  • Academy of the Sacred Heart Convent

Career of Helen Hayes

Helen Hayes embarked on a successful and illustrious career that spanned both stage and screen.

She made her stage debut at a young age, captivating audiences with her talent and versatility.

Broadway and Stage Success

Hayes’s breakout moment came when she made her film debut in “The Sin of Madelon Claudet” and won the Best Actress Oscar for her remarkable performance.

However, it was her work on Broadway that truly solidified her status as a powerhouse actress.

• Hayes mesmerized audiences with her unforgettable portrayals in productions such as “Victoria Regina” and “Mary Rose”.
• Her exceptional talent thrived in the Chicago theatre scene, where she delivered captivating performances.

Hollywood Films

In addition to her stage success, Hayes also ventured into Hollywood films, leaving an indelible mark on the silver screen.

• She showcased her acting prowess in movies like “Anastasia” and “Airport”, captivating audiences with her remarkable performances.

Retirement and Legacy

Hayes retired from acting after her final Broadway show, “Harvey”.

Her remarkable career spanned over decades, leaving a lasting legacy in both the world of stage and screen.

Hayes’s talent, dedication, and numerous accolades solidify her status as an icon in the entertainment industry.

Philanthropy and Honors

Helen Hayes was known for her philanthropy work and made generous donations to various causes and organizations. Her dedication to giving back to the community was evident through her involvement with several notable institutions.

Riverside Shakespeare Company

Hayes was a founding member of the Board of Advisors for the Riverside Shakespeare Company, a renowned theater company known for its innovative productions and commitment to artistic excellence.

Girl Scouts of the USA

She also served on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of the USA, an iconic organization that empowers young girls and promotes leadership development.

National Wildflower Research Center

Hayes co-founded the National Wildflower Research Center, now known as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. This organization focuses on conservation and education, highlighting the importance of native wildflowers and their role in environmental sustainability.

Hayes’ passion for preserving the natural beauty of our world is evident through her involvement in this significant endeavor.

Recognition and Honors

Throughout her illustrious career, Hayes received numerous honors and awards that recognized her exceptional talents and contributions to the arts.

• Kennedy Center Honors: This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom: The highest civilian honor in the United States, this award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society, security, and world peace.
• National Medal of Arts: This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the arts and humanities in the United States.

Hayes’ philanthropy work and the recognition she received for her contributions to the performing arts and society as a whole underline her enduring legacy as a remarkable actress and compassionate human being.

Personal Life of Helen Hayes

Helen Hayes, known as the “First Lady of American Theatre,” had a personal life marked by marriages, children, and health struggles.

Marriages

Hayes was married twice in her life. Her first marriage was to John Swanson, which ended in divorce. She then married the renowned playwright Charlie MacArthur.

Children

During her marriage to Charlie MacArthur, Helen Hayes had two children. She had a daughter named Mary, and the couple also adopted a son named James.

Asthma and Hospitalization

Hayes struggled with asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that frequently affected her health. As a result, she often required hospitalization to manage the effects of the disease.

Her health struggles eventually led to her retirement from theater, as she had to prioritize her well-being and focus on managing her condition.

Height, Weight, and Body Measurements

Helen Hayes, the legendary American actress, had a height of 5 feet 2 inches and weighed approximately 70 kg. While her petite stature did not hinder her ability to captivate audiences with her talent and charisma, detailed information about her body measurements is not available.

Net Worth of Helen Hayes

Helen Hayes, a renowned American actress, had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of her passing. She accumulated her wealth through her successful acting career and numerous accolades.

Other Facts about Helen Hayes

Helen Hayes, a legendary American actress, achieved remarkable feats throughout her career. Here are some interesting facts about her:

1. Helen Hayes is one of the few artists to achieve the EGOT status, winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award, showcasing her incredible talent and versatility.
2. The annual Helen Hayes Awards, which recognize excellence in professional theatre in Washington, D.C., are named in her honor, a testament to her impact on the industry.
3. To celebrate her contributions to Broadway, two theaters bear her name – the Helen Hayes Theatre and the Little Theater, forever preserving her legacy in the heart of New York City.
4. Helen Hayes was honored by the Catholic Interracial Council of New York for her dedication and support, highlighting her commitment to promoting inclusivity and unity.
5. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, Helen Hayes received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, solidifying her status as an icon in American theatre.
6. The Hollywood Walk of Fame also paid tribute to Helen Hayes, granting her a star on its prestigious sidewalk, forever immortalizing her in the entertainment industry.

These facts further illustrate the impact and influence of Helen Hayes, both as an actress and as a philanthropist, leaving an indelible mark on the world of performing arts.

Conclusion

Helen Hayes, the iconic American actress, had an extraordinary career that spanned over eight decades. Her talent and dedication to her craft earned her numerous accolades and the title of “First Lady of American Theatre.” With her groundbreaking achievements, including winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award, Hayes became the first woman to achieve EGOT status and the first person to win the Triple Crown of Acting.

Alongside her successful career, Helen Hayes was deeply committed to philanthropy. She generously donated her time and resources to various causes, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and society. Hayes’s contributions included her involvement with organizations such as the Girl Scouts of the USA and her co-founding of the National Wildflower Research Center, now known as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

In her personal life, Helen Hayes navigated marriages, motherhood, and health struggles. Despite battling asthma and facing frequent hospitalizations, she continued to shine in her performances. Hayes’s resilience and determination cemented her legacy as one of the greatest leading ladies of 20th-century theatre.

With her successful career, philanthropic endeavors, and immense talent, Helen Hayes amassed a substantial net worth of $10 million. Her contributions to the world of acting, commitment to philanthropy, and impact on society will always be remembered and celebrated.